75 YEARS IN THE MAKING
TRUE FINE DINING EXPERIENCE
We proudly serve the best
Clam Chowder
Consistently, Old Fisherman’s Grotto has been recognized as the champion of Clam Chowder. Over the past two decades, the Grotto’s clam chowder has remained at the forefront in Monterey, consistently vying for the title of the best clam chowder.
Testimonials
from our visitors
We come here every year for my wife's birthday. The food is incredible and the service is great. Never a disappointment.
read moreread less
Sheldon K.
4/05/2025
Service:
The service was excellent. The waitress gave us a heartwarming service. She explained in full detail the menu. She also explained which items on the menu she loved. She also knew her wine. She told me what wines to pair with food.
Food:
The food was phenomenal and delicious. Everything tasted fresh and great quality. The calm chowder was delicious. One of the best clam chowders in Monterey. The Dungeness crab, salmon, and two grilled prawns were also delicious. It was well seasoned and it was a lot of food. The crab was meaty. Finally the crème brûlée is excellent desert after every meal.
Overall:
Overall, people need to come and try the amazing food here at Old Fisherman's Grotto. The ambiance is great and energetic. The view is spectacular. I would definitely go back if I am in Monterey.
The service was excellent. The waitress gave us a heartwarming service. She explained in full detail the menu. She also explained which items on the menu she loved. She also knew her wine. She told me what wines to pair with food.
Food:
The food was phenomenal and delicious. Everything tasted fresh and great quality. The calm chowder was delicious. One of the best clam chowders in Monterey. The Dungeness crab, salmon, and two grilled prawns were also delicious. It was well seasoned and it was a lot of food. The crab was meaty. Finally the crème brûlée is excellent desert after every meal.
Overall:
Overall, people need to come and try the amazing food here at Old Fisherman's Grotto. The ambiance is great and energetic. The view is spectacular. I would definitely go back if I am in Monterey.
read moreread less
Julio C.
4/03/2025
Clam chowder was amazing!!! Service was excellent. Nice cozy place to eat on the Wharf
read moreread less
Eliza S.
4/03/2025
Awesome experience Great food very romantic setting. Great for a romantic dinner. Food was awesome. Great service. I always come here every time I visit Monterrey bay.
read moreread less
Mar m.
4/09/2025
Great food and view of a little beach/harbor located in the beautiful city of Monterey. Been here multiple times and the service each time was top notch. Free bread is great too. Parking is in a nearby lot and at the time was a couple of bucks an hour.
One time I came we ordered a Boat Load of Land and Sea and it was absolutely phenomenal!! Worth it if you are looking to splurge a little bit. The lobster was my favorite, but all of the seafood was fresh and delicious! Definitely plenty of food for two.
Another time we ordered the grilled seafood platter and Neptune's platter. Both were plenty of food and were very good. I'm a lover of deep fried seafood and this definitely satisfied the craving!
Just a side note, this is a sister restaurant of the Fish Hopper located in Cannery Row down the street, an equally phenomenal establishment!
One time I came we ordered a Boat Load of Land and Sea and it was absolutely phenomenal!! Worth it if you are looking to splurge a little bit. The lobster was my favorite, but all of the seafood was fresh and delicious! Definitely plenty of food for two.
Another time we ordered the grilled seafood platter and Neptune's platter. Both were plenty of food and were very good. I'm a lover of deep fried seafood and this definitely satisfied the craving!
Just a side note, this is a sister restaurant of the Fish Hopper located in Cannery Row down the street, an equally phenomenal establishment!
read moreread less
Nelson L.
4/09/2025
Best seafood on Monterey Wharf Nicely surprised and impressed for a touristy wharf with this refreshingly delightful restaurant on so many accounts. A great memorable dining experience, good fit a special occassion too. Seafood was fresh, enticingly presented, locally sourced and promptly served. Had steamed crab, crab Louie with organic Salinas lettuce, a decadent stuffed crab pretzel (yum), hot peach pie, and latte. Very attentive waiters. View of the bay at this 2-story restaurant with a mixture of tables & comfortable booth seating separated with glass partitions. A bar seating area is also available. Overall very clean, a bit dated but cozy and quaint, old-school design with wood paneling, carpets in warm colors. Appreciated that the dining area is quiet with well-behaved children, but no booster seating and strollers.
read moreread less
Designer-at-Large
4/08/2025
I had an absolutely amazing experience at this seafood restaurant on the pier in Monterey. From the moment I arrived, the service was top-notch--genuinely warm, attentive, and accommodating. I had my eye on a dinner menu item (the seafood risotto), and they kindly made it for me during lunch without hesitation. That kind of flexibility and hospitality is rare and deeply appreciated.
And let me tell you--the seafood risotto was incredible. Perfectly cooked rice, bursting with the flavor of fresh, local seafood, and a creamy, rich sauce that I'm still thinking about.
To top it all off, I ordered their special rum drink, which was served in a fun tiki mug and dramatically lit on fire--such a fun touch! It tasted as good as it looked, with just the right balance of tropical sweetness and warmth from the rum.
Add to all that the stunning view of the water from the pier, and you have an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this place is a must. I can't wait to come back!
And let me tell you--the seafood risotto was incredible. Perfectly cooked rice, bursting with the flavor of fresh, local seafood, and a creamy, rich sauce that I'm still thinking about.
To top it all off, I ordered their special rum drink, which was served in a fun tiki mug and dramatically lit on fire--such a fun touch! It tasted as good as it looked, with just the right balance of tropical sweetness and warmth from the rum.
Add to all that the stunning view of the water from the pier, and you have an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this place is a must. I can't wait to come back!
read moreread less
Jesus G.
4/08/2025
It was amazing! It's been 8 yrs since we ate here and loved it again! Sitting over the bay looking out the window is beautiful! The food was delicious! The service was also great! They gave my wife a rose after dinner!
read moreread less
Larry P.
4/07/2025
Great food and service. The clam chowder is amazing. The view from upstairs is nice also.
read moreread less
William F.
4/06/2025
We come here every year for my wife's birthday. The food is incredible and the service is great. Never a disappointment.
read moreread less
Sheldon K.
4/05/2025
Service:
The service was excellent. The waitress gave us a heartwarming service. She explained in full detail the menu. She also explained which items on the menu she loved. She also knew her wine. She told me what wines to pair with food.
Food:
The food was phenomenal and delicious. Everything tasted fresh and great quality. The calm chowder was delicious. One of the best clam chowders in Monterey. The Dungeness crab, salmon, and two grilled prawns were also delicious. It was well seasoned and it was a lot of food. The crab was meaty. Finally the crème brûlée is excellent desert after every meal.
Overall:
Overall, people need to come and try the amazing food here at Old Fisherman's Grotto. The ambiance is great and energetic. The view is spectacular. I would definitely go back if I am in Monterey.
The service was excellent. The waitress gave us a heartwarming service. She explained in full detail the menu. She also explained which items on the menu she loved. She also knew her wine. She told me what wines to pair with food.
Food:
The food was phenomenal and delicious. Everything tasted fresh and great quality. The calm chowder was delicious. One of the best clam chowders in Monterey. The Dungeness crab, salmon, and two grilled prawns were also delicious. It was well seasoned and it was a lot of food. The crab was meaty. Finally the crème brûlée is excellent desert after every meal.
Overall:
Overall, people need to come and try the amazing food here at Old Fisherman's Grotto. The ambiance is great and energetic. The view is spectacular. I would definitely go back if I am in Monterey.
read moreread less
Julio C.
4/03/2025
Clam chowder was amazing!!! Service was excellent. Nice cozy place to eat on the Wharf
read moreread less
Eliza S.
4/03/2025
Awesome experience Great food very romantic setting. Great for a romantic dinner. Food was awesome. Great service. I always come here every time I visit Monterrey bay.
read moreread less
Mar m.
4/09/2025
Great food and view of a little beach/harbor located in the beautiful city of Monterey. Been here multiple times and the service each time was top notch. Free bread is great too. Parking is in a nearby lot and at the time was a couple of bucks an hour.
One time I came we ordered a Boat Load of Land and Sea and it was absolutely phenomenal!! Worth it if you are looking to splurge a little bit. The lobster was my favorite, but all of the seafood was fresh and delicious! Definitely plenty of food for two.
Another time we ordered the grilled seafood platter and Neptune's platter. Both were plenty of food and were very good. I'm a lover of deep fried seafood and this definitely satisfied the craving!
Just a side note, this is a sister restaurant of the Fish Hopper located in Cannery Row down the street, an equally phenomenal establishment!
One time I came we ordered a Boat Load of Land and Sea and it was absolutely phenomenal!! Worth it if you are looking to splurge a little bit. The lobster was my favorite, but all of the seafood was fresh and delicious! Definitely plenty of food for two.
Another time we ordered the grilled seafood platter and Neptune's platter. Both were plenty of food and were very good. I'm a lover of deep fried seafood and this definitely satisfied the craving!
Just a side note, this is a sister restaurant of the Fish Hopper located in Cannery Row down the street, an equally phenomenal establishment!
read moreread less
Nelson L.
4/09/2025
Best seafood on Monterey Wharf Nicely surprised and impressed for a touristy wharf with this refreshingly delightful restaurant on so many accounts. A great memorable dining experience, good fit a special occassion too. Seafood was fresh, enticingly presented, locally sourced and promptly served. Had steamed crab, crab Louie with organic Salinas lettuce, a decadent stuffed crab pretzel (yum), hot peach pie, and latte. Very attentive waiters. View of the bay at this 2-story restaurant with a mixture of tables & comfortable booth seating separated with glass partitions. A bar seating area is also available. Overall very clean, a bit dated but cozy and quaint, old-school design with wood paneling, carpets in warm colors. Appreciated that the dining area is quiet with well-behaved children, but no booster seating and strollers.
read moreread less
Designer-at-Large
4/08/2025
I had an absolutely amazing experience at this seafood restaurant on the pier in Monterey. From the moment I arrived, the service was top-notch--genuinely warm, attentive, and accommodating. I had my eye on a dinner menu item (the seafood risotto), and they kindly made it for me during lunch without hesitation. That kind of flexibility and hospitality is rare and deeply appreciated.
And let me tell you--the seafood risotto was incredible. Perfectly cooked rice, bursting with the flavor of fresh, local seafood, and a creamy, rich sauce that I'm still thinking about.
To top it all off, I ordered their special rum drink, which was served in a fun tiki mug and dramatically lit on fire--such a fun touch! It tasted as good as it looked, with just the right balance of tropical sweetness and warmth from the rum.
Add to all that the stunning view of the water from the pier, and you have an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this place is a must. I can't wait to come back!
And let me tell you--the seafood risotto was incredible. Perfectly cooked rice, bursting with the flavor of fresh, local seafood, and a creamy, rich sauce that I'm still thinking about.
To top it all off, I ordered their special rum drink, which was served in a fun tiki mug and dramatically lit on fire--such a fun touch! It tasted as good as it looked, with just the right balance of tropical sweetness and warmth from the rum.
Add to all that the stunning view of the water from the pier, and you have an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this place is a must. I can't wait to come back!
read moreread less
Jesus G.
4/08/2025
It was amazing! It's been 8 yrs since we ate here and loved it again! Sitting over the bay looking out the window is beautiful! The food was delicious! The service was also great! They gave my wife a rose after dinner!
read moreread less
Larry P.
4/07/2025
Great food and service. The clam chowder is amazing. The view from upstairs is nice also.
read moreread less
William F.
4/06/2025
We come here every year for my wife's birthday. The food is incredible and the service is great. Never a disappointment.
read moreread less
Sheldon K.
4/05/2025
Service:
The service was excellent. The waitress gave us a heartwarming service. She explained in full detail the menu. She also explained which items on the menu she loved. She also knew her wine. She told me what wines to pair with food.
Food:
The food was phenomenal and delicious. Everything tasted fresh and great quality. The calm chowder was delicious. One of the best clam chowders in Monterey. The Dungeness crab, salmon, and two grilled prawns were also delicious. It was well seasoned and it was a lot of food. The crab was meaty. Finally the crème brûlée is excellent desert after every meal.
Overall:
Overall, people need to come and try the amazing food here at Old Fisherman's Grotto. The ambiance is great and energetic. The view is spectacular. I would definitely go back if I am in Monterey.
The service was excellent. The waitress gave us a heartwarming service. She explained in full detail the menu. She also explained which items on the menu she loved. She also knew her wine. She told me what wines to pair with food.
Food:
The food was phenomenal and delicious. Everything tasted fresh and great quality. The calm chowder was delicious. One of the best clam chowders in Monterey. The Dungeness crab, salmon, and two grilled prawns were also delicious. It was well seasoned and it was a lot of food. The crab was meaty. Finally the crème brûlée is excellent desert after every meal.
Overall:
Overall, people need to come and try the amazing food here at Old Fisherman's Grotto. The ambiance is great and energetic. The view is spectacular. I would definitely go back if I am in Monterey.
read moreread less
Julio C.
4/03/2025
Clam chowder was amazing!!! Service was excellent. Nice cozy place to eat on the Wharf
read moreread less
Eliza S.
4/03/2025
Book Your Table
